Sigma receptor inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to compounds having pharmacological activity towards the sigma receptor, and more particularly to some pyrazole derivatives, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use therapy and prophylaxis, in particular for the treatment of psychosis or pain.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds having pharmacological activity towards the sigma receptor, and more particularly to some pyrazole derivatives, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use in therapy and prophylaxis, in particular for the treatment of psychosis or pain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The search for new therapeutic agents has been greatly aided in recent years by better understanding of the structure of proteins and other biomolecules associated with target diseases. One important class of these proteins is the sigma receptor, a cell surface receptor of the central nervous system (CNS) which may be related to the dysphoric, hallucinogenic and cardiac stimulant effects of opioids. From studies of the biology and function of sigma receptors, evidence has been presented that sigma receptor ligands may be useful in the treatment of psychosis and movement disorders such as dystonia and tardive dyskinesia, and motor disturbances associated with Huntington's chorea or Tourette's syndrome and in Parkinson's disease (Walker, J. M. et al, Pharmacological Reviews, 1990, 42, 355). It has been reported that the known sigma receptor ligand rimcazole clinically shows effects in the treatment of psychosis (Snyder, S. H., Largent, B. L. J. Neuropsychiatry 1989, 1, 7). The sigma binding sites have preferential affinity for the dextrorotatory isomers of certain opiate benzomorphans, such as (+)SKF 10047, (+)cyclazocine, and (+)pentazocine and also for some narcoleptics such as haloperidol. The sigma receptor has at least two subtypes, which may be discriminated by stereoselective isomers of these pharmacoactive drugs. SKF 10047 has nanomolar affinity for the sigma-1 site, and has micromolar affinity for the sigma-2 site. Haloperidol has similar affinities for both subtypes. Endogenous sigma ligands are not known, although progesterone has been suggested to be one of them. Possible sigma-site-mediated drug effects include modulation of glutamate receptor function, neurotransmitter response, neuroprotection, behavior, and cognition (Quirion, R. et al. Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 1992, 13:85-86). Most studies have implied that sigma binding sites (receptors) are plasmalemmal elements of the signal transduction cascade. Drugs reported to be selective sigma ligands have been evaluated as antipsychotics (Hanner, M. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad Sci., 1996, 93:8072-8077). The existence of sigma receptors in the CNS, immune and endocrine systems have suggested a likelihood that it may serve as link between the three systems.

In view of the potential therapeutic applications of agonists or antagonists of the sigma receptor, a great effort has been directed to find selective ligands. Thus, the prior art discloses different sigma receptor ligands.

International Patent Application No. WO 91/09594 generically describes a broad class of sigma receptor ligands some of which are 4-phenylpiperidine, -tetrahydro-pyridine or -piperazine compounds having an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy or alkoxyalkyl substituent on the ring N-atom. The terms aryl and heteroaryl are defined by mention of a number of such substituents.

European patent publication No. EP 0 414 289 A1 generically discloses a class of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-spiro[naphthalene-1,4′-piperidine] and 1,4-dihydro-spiro [naphthalene-1,4′-piperidine] derivatives substituted at the piperidine N-atom with a hydrocarbon group alleged to have selective sigma receptor antagonistic activity. The term hydrocarbon, as defined in said patent, covers all possible straight chained, cyclic, heterocyclic, etc. groups. However, only compounds having benzyl, phenethyl, cycloalkylmethyl, furyl- or thienylmethyl or lower alkyl or alkenyl as the hydrocarbon substituent at the piperidine nitrogen atom are specifically disclosed. The compounds are stated to displace tritiated di-tolyl guanidine (DTG) from sigma sites with potencies better than 200 nM. As a particularly preferred compound is mentioned 1-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-spiro[naphthalene-1,4′-piperidine].

European patent publication No. EP 0 445 974 A2 generically describes the corresponding spiro[indane-1,4′-piperidine] and spiro[benzocycloheptene-5,4′-piperidine] derivatives. Again the compounds are only stated to displace tritiated di-tolyl guanidine (DTG) from sigma sites with potencies better than 200 nM

European patent Application No. EP 0 431 943 A2 relates to a further extremely broad class of spiropiperidine compounds substituted at the piperidine N-atom and claimed to be useful as antiarrhythmics and for impaired cardiac pump function. The said application exemplifies several compounds, the majority of which contain an oxo and/or a sulfonylamino substituent in the spiro cyclic ring system. Of the remainder compounds, the main part has another polar substituent attached to the spiro nucleus and/or they have some polar substituents in the substituent on the piperidine N-atom. No suggestion or indication of effect of the compounds on the sigma receptor is given.

There is still a need to find compounds that have pharmacological activity towards the sigma receptor, being both effective and selective, and having good “drugability” properties, i.e. good pharmaceutical properties related to administration, distribution, metabolism and excretion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have now found a family of pyrazol derivatives which are particularly selective inhibitors of the sigma receptor. The compounds present a pyrazol group which is condensed with a cycloalkyl ring having 5, 6 or 7 carbon atoms.

In one aspect the invention is directed to a compound of the formula I:

wherein

-   R₁ is selected from the group formed by hydrogen, susbtituted or     unsubstituted alkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,     susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, susbtituted or     unsubstituted aryl, susbtituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, and     susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl; -   R₂ is selected from the group formed by hydrogen, susbtituted or     unsubstituted alkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,     susbtituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, susbtituted or unsubstituted     aryl, susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, susbtituted or     unsubstituted arylalkyl, and susbtituted or unsubstituted     heterocyclylalkyl; -   R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group formed by     hydrogen, susbtituted or unsubstituted alkyl, susbtituted or     unsubstituted cycloalkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl,     susbtituted or unsubstituted aryl, susbtituted or unsubstituted     arylalkyl and susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl or,     together, R₃ and R4 form a 3 to 6 substituted or unsubstituted     member ring; -   R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group formed by     hydrogen, susbtituted or unsubstituted alkyl, susbtituted or     unsubstituted cycloalkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl,     susbtituted or unsubstituted aryl, susbtituted or unsubstituted     arylalkyl and susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl or, R₅     and R₆ together, form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl     having 3 to 7 atoms in the ring; -   n is seleceted from 0, 1 and 2; -   m is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4; -   the dotted line - - - is either a single or a double bond;     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, isomer, prodrug or solvate     thereof.

In one embodiment R₂ is preferably hydrogen, m is 1 and n is 1. It is also preferred that R₃ and R₄ are both hydrogen; especially when R₂ is hydrogen, m is 1 and n is 1. Further, it is preferred that R₁ is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl; especially when R₂ is hydrogen, m is 1 and n is 1; and more especially when R₃ and R₄ are both hydrogen. Moreover, it is also preferred that R₅ and R₆ together form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl having 3 to 7 atoms in the ring, in particular morpholin-4-yl, 2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl, piperidin-1-yl, 4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl, 3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl, 4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl, 4-phenyl-piperazin-1-yl, 2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1 (3H), 4′-piperidin]-1′-yl, 3-phenyl-piperidin-1-yl, azepan-1-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, 3-phenyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl, isoindolin-2-yl or imidazol-1-yl; especially when R₂ is hydrogen, m is 1 and n is 1; more especially when R₃ and R₄ are both hydrogen; and even more especially when R₁ is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl. Good results are obtained when R₅ is benzyl and R₆ is methyl.

The above embodiments and preferences for R₁ to R₆, n, m and the dotted line - - - can be combined to give further preferred compounds.

In another aspect the invention is directed to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) or a salt, isomer or solvate thereof.

In another aspect the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound as above defined or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, enantiomer, prodrug or solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle.

In a further aspect the invention is directed to the use of a compound as defined above in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a sigma mediated disease or condition, i.e. diarrhoea, lipoprotein disorders, migraine, obesity, arthritis, hypertension, arrhythmia, ulcer, cognition disorders, addition to chemical substances, in particular to cocaine; tardive diskinesia, ischemic stroke, epilepsy, stroke, stress, pain, especially neuropathic pain or allodynia; cancer or psychotic conditions, in particular depression, anxiety or schizophrenia; or to the use as pharmacological tool or as anxiolytic or immunosuppressant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The typical compounds of this invention effectively and selectively inhibit the sigma receptor. In the above definition of compounds of formula (I) the following terms have the meaning indicated:

“Alkyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing no unsaturation, having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and which is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond, e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, etc. Alkyl radicals may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents such as aryl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, carboxy, cyano, carbonyl, acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, amino, nitro, mercapto, alkylthio, etc. If substituted by aryl we have an “Aralkyl” radical, such as benzyl and phenethyl.

“Alkenyl” refers to an alkyl radical having at least 2 carbon atoms and having one or more unsaturated bonds.

“Cycloalkyl” refers to a stable 3-to 10-membered monocyclic or bicyclic radical which is saturated or partially saturated, and which consists solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, such as cyclohexyl or adamantyl. Unless otherwise stated specifically in the specification, the term“cycloalkyl” is meant to include cycloalkyl radicals which are optionally substituted by one or more substituents such as alkyl, halo, hydroxy, amino, cyano, nitro, alkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, etc.

“Aryl” refers to single and multiple ring radicals, including multiple ring radicals that contain separate and/or fused aryl groups. Typical aryl groups contain from 1 to 3 separated or fused rings and from 6 to about 18 carbon ring atoms, such as phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl, fenanthryl or anthracyl radical. The aryl radical may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents such as hydroxy, mercapto, halo, alkyl, phenyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, nitro, cyano, dialkylamino, aminoalkyl, acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, etc.

“Heterocyclyl” refers to a stable 3-to 15 membered ring radical which consists of carbon atoms and from one to five heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, preferably a 4-to 8-membered ring with one or more heteroatoms, more preferably a 5-or 6-membered ring with one or more heteroatoms. For the purposes of this invention, the heterocycle may be aromatic, saturated or partially saturated, and also a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic ring system, which may include fused ring systems; and the nitrogen, carbon or sulfur atoms in the heterocyclyl radical may be optionally oxidised; the nitrogen atom may be optionally quaternized; and the heterocyclyl radical may be partially or fully saturated or aromatic. Examples of such heterocycles include, but are not limited to, azepines, benzimidazole, benzothiazole, furan, isothiazole, imidazole, indole, piperidine, piperazine, purine, quinoline, thiadiazole, tetrahydrofuran, coumarine, morpholine; pyrrole, pyrazole, oxazole, isoxazole, triazole, imidazole, etc.

“Alkoxy” refers to a radical of the formula —ORa where Ra is an alkyl radical as defined above, e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, etc.

“Alkoxycarbonyl” refers to a radical of the formula —C(O)ORa where Ra is an alkyl radical as defined above, e.g., methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, etc.

“Alkylthio” refers to a radical of the formula —SRa where Ra is an alkyl radical as defined above, e.g., methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, etc.

“Amino” refers to a radical of the formula —NH₂, —NHRa or —NRaRb, optionally quaternized, wherein Ra and Rb are, independently, an alkyl radical as defined above, e.g., methylamino, ethylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, propylamino, etc.

“Halo” or “hal” refers to bromo, chloro, iodo or fluoro.

References herein to substituted groups in the compounds of the present invention refer to the specified moiety that may be substituted at one or more available positions by one or more suitable groups, e.g., halogen such as fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo; cyano; hydroxyl; nitro; azido; alkanoyl such as a C1-6 alkanoyl group such as acyl and the like; carboxamido; alkyl groups including those groups having 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms and more preferably 1-3 carbon atoms; alkenyl and alkynyl groups including groups having one or more unsaturated linkages and from 2 to about 12 carbon or from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms; alkoxy groups having one or more oxygen linkages and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; aryloxy such as phenoxy; alkylthio groups including those moieties having one or more thioether linkages and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; alkylsulfinyl groups including those moieties having one or more sulfinyl linkages and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms ; alkylsulfonyl groups including those moieties having one or more sulfonyl linkages and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; aminoalkyl groups such as groups having one or more N atoms and from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms or from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; carbocyclic aryl having 6 or more carbons, particularly phenyl or naphthyl and aralkyl such as benzyl. Unless otherwise indicated, an optionally substituted group may have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and each substitution is independent of the other.

The present invention does not include the synthesis intermediate disclosed in EP 276 834 A corresponding to the compound of general formula I in which R₁ is methyl, R₃═R₄═R₂═H, R₅═R₆=methyl, n=2, m=0 and the dotted line is a double bond. The present invention does not include either the synthesis intermediates disclosed in Indian Journal of Chemistry, Section B, 1980, 19b, 243-45 corresponding to certain compounds of general formula I in which R₅ and R₆ form together a 5-etoxy,2-oxopirrolidin or a 5,2-dioxopirrolidin group.

Particular individual compounds of the invention falling under formula (I) include the compounds listed below:

-   1.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   2.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   3.     1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholino-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   4.     1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   5.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   6.     1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   7.     1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   8.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   9.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   10.     4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   11. 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),     4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   12. 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),     4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, -   13.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   14.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   15.     (E)-4-(2-(azepan-1-yl)ethylidene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   16.     (E)-4-(2-(azepan-1-yl)ethylidene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   17.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, -   18. (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),     4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethylidene)-1H-indazole, -   19. (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),     4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethylidene)-1H-indazole oxalate, -   20.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, -   21.     1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-((E)-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)ethyl)isoquinoline, -   22.     1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-((E)-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)ethyl)isoquinoline     oxalate, -   23.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, -   24.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, -   25.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   26.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   27.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, -   28.     1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   29.     1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   30.     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   31.     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole     oxalate, -   32.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   33.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   34.     2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoindoline, -   35.     2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoindoline     oxalate, -   36.     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   37.     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   38.     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   39.     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   40.     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole     oxalate, -   41.     4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   42.     4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole     dioxalate, -   43.     1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoquinoline, -   44.     1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoquinoline     oxalate, -   45.     4-(2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   46.     cis-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   47.     cis-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole     oxalate, -   48.     cis-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   49.     cis-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   50.     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]-ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   51. 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3     H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]-ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole oxalate, -   52.     N-benzyl-2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)-N-methyl-ethanamine, -   53. diastereomeric mixture of     1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, -   54.     N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine, -   55.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   56.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   57.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   58.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   59.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole, -   60.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   61.     N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine, -   62.     N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine     oxalate, -   63.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   64.     4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   65.     1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   66.     1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   67.     cis-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   68.     cis-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   69.     N-benzyl-2-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methyl-ethanamine, -   70.     1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   71.     1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   72.     1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, -   73.     (+)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   74.     (+)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   75.     (−)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, -   76.     (−)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   77.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole     oxalate -   78.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole     oxalate, -   79.     (E)-N-benzyl-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)-N-methyl-ethanamine, -   80.     (E)-N-benzyl-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)-N-methyl-ethanamine     oxalate, -   81.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(cis-2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole,     and -   82.     (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(cis-2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole     oxalate.

Although the oxalates are listed, other salts also form part of this group of preferred compounds.

Unless otherwise stated, the compounds of the invention are also meant to include compounds which differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structures except for the replacement of a hydrogen by a deuterium or tritium, or the replacement of a carbon by a ¹³C- or ¹⁴C-enriched carbon or ¹⁵N-enriched nitrogen are within the scope of this invention.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, prodrugs” refers to any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, solvate, or any other compound which, upon administration to the recipient is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound as described herein. However, it will be appreciated that non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts also fall within the scope of the invention since those may be useful in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The preparation of salts, prodrugs and derivatives can be carried out by methods known in the art.

For instance, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds provided herein are synthesized from the parent compound which contains a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts are, for example, prepared by reacting the free acid or base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic solvent or in a mixture of the two. Generally, nonaqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol or acetonitrile are preferred. Examples of the acid addition salts include mineral acid addition salts such as, for example, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, and organic acid addition salts such as, for example, acetate, maleate, fumarate, citrate, oxalate, succinate, tartrate, malate, mandelate, methanesulphonate and p-toluenesulphonate. Examples of the alkali addition salts include inorganic salts such as, for example, sodium, potassium, calcium, ammonium, magnesium, aluminium and lithium salts, and organic alkali salts such as, for example, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, N,N-dialkylenethanolamine, triethanolamine, glucamine and basic aminoacids salts.

Particularly favored derivatives or prodrugs are those that increase the bioavailability of the compounds of this invention when such compounds are administered to a patient (e.g., by allowing an orally administered compound to be more readily absorbed into the blood) or which enhance delivery of the parent compound to a biological compartment (e.g., the brain or lymphatic system) relative to the parent species.

Any compound that is a prodrug of a compound of formula (I) is within the scope of the invention. The term “prodrug” is used in its broadest sense and encompasses those derivatives that are converted in vivo to the compounds of the invention. Such derivatives would readily occur to those skilled in the art, and include, depending on the functional groups present in the molecule and without limitation, the following derivatives of the present compounds: esters, amino acid esters, phosphate esters, metal salts sulfonate esters, carbamates, and amides.

The compounds of the invention may be in crystalline form either as free compounds or as solvates and it is intended that both forms are within the scope of the present invention. Methods of solvation are generally known within the art. Suitable solvates are pharmaceutically acceptable solvates. In a particular embodiment the solvate is a hydrate.

The compounds of formula (I) or their salts or solvates are preferably in pharmaceutically acceptable or substantially pure form. By pharmaceutically acceptable form is meant, inter alia, having a pharmaceutically acceptable level of purity excluding normal pharmaceutical additives such as diluents and carriers, and including no material considered toxic at normal dosage levels. Purity levels for the drug substance are preferably above 50%, more preferably above 70%, most preferably above 90%. In a preferred embodiment it is above 95% of the compound of formula (1), or of its salts, solvates or prodrugs.

The compounds of the present invention represented by the above described formula (I) may include enantiomers depending on the presence of chiral centres or isomers depending on the presence of multiple bonds (e.g. Z, E). The single isomers, enantiomers or diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof fall within the scope of the present invention.

The compounds of formula (I) defined above can be obtained by available synthetic procedures. For example, they can be prepared by the coupling of a compound of Formula (II):

in which R₁-R₄, m and n are as defined above in formula (I), and X is a leaving group, preferably chlorine or pyridinium, with a compound of Formula (III): HNR₅R₆  (III)

in which R₅ and R₆ are as defined above in formula (I)

The reaction of compounds of formulas (II) and (III) is preferably carried out in an aprotic solvent, but not limited to, such as dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of an inorganic base, such as K₂CO₃. Compounds of Formula (III) are commercially available or can be prepared by conventional methods.

The following schemes I and II illustrate the referred methods for preparing the compounds of formula (I):

The compounds of formula (VII) can be prepared according to methods known from the literature. See, for instance, Schenone, P., Mosti, L. Menozzi, G., J. Heterocyclic Chem., 1982, 19, 1355-1361; Peet, N. P., Letourneau, E., Heterocycles, 1991, 32, 41-72; Mosti, L., et al Il Farmaco, 1988, 43, 763-774.

The compounds of formula (VIII) can be prepared from precursors of formula (VII) by catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of catalysts, such as Pd—C or PtO₂, in a solvent, such as methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide or acetic acid. Likewise, the compounds of formula (VIII), when n=0 and R₁═H, can be prepared according to the process disclosed in JP 5765369 A2.

The compounds of formula (IX) can be prepared from the intermediates of formula (VIII) by reduction of the ester group with aluminum-lithium hydride or diisobutylaluminium hydride in an inert solvent, such as ethylic ether, tetrahydrofuran, or toluene, at an appropriated temperature which may be between −78° C. and the reflux temperature of the solvent.

The compounds of formula (IIa) can be prepared from the compounds of formula (IX) by transformation of the hydroxylic group into a leaving group, such as chlorine, by reaction with thionyl chloride in an inert solvent, such as toluene, at an appropriated temperature which may be between room temperature and the reflux temperature of the solvent.

The compounds of formula (X) can be prepared according to methods known from the literature. See, for instance, Trehan, I. R. et al Indian Journal of Chemistry, Section B, 1980, 19b, 243-45.

The compounds of formula (IIb) can be prepared by reaction of compounds of formula (X) with tosyl chloride in pyridine at a temperature between 0° C. and room temperature.

The obtained reaction products may, if desired, be purified by conventional methods, such as crystallisation, chromatography and trituration. Where the above described processes for the preparation of compounds of the invention give rise to mixtures of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. If there are chiral centers the compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution.

One preferred pharmaceutically acceptable form is the crystalline form, including such form in pharmaceutical composition. In the case of salts and solvates the additional ionic and solvent moieties must also be non-toxic. The compounds of the invention may present different polymorphic forms, it is intended that the invention encompasses all such forms.

Another aspect of this invention relates to a method of treating or preventing a sigma receptor mediated disease which method comprises administering to a patient in need of such a treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. Among the sigma mediated diseases that can be treated are diarrhoea, lipoprotein disorders, migraine, obesity, arthritis, hypertension, arrhythmia, ulcer, cognition disorders, cocaine dependency, tardive diskinesia, ischemic stroke, epilepsy, stroke, depression, stress, cancer, pain, especially neuropathic pain or allodynia, or psychotic condition. The compounds of the invention can also be employed as pharmacological tool or as anxiolytic or immunosuppressant.

The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of this invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, derivative, prodrug or stereoisomers thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle, for administration to a patient.

Examples of pharmaceutical compositions include any solid (tablets, pills, capsules, granules etc.) or liquid (solutions, suspensions or emulsions) composition for oral, topical or parenteral administration.

In a preferred embodiment the pharmaceutical compositions are in oral form, either solid or liquid. Suitable dose forms for oral administration may be tablets, capsules, syrops or solutions and may contain conventional excipients known in the art such as binding agents, for example syrup, acacia, gelatin, sorbitol, tragacanth, or polyvinylpyrrolidone; fillers, for example lactose, sugar, maize starch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol or glycine; tabletting lubricants, for example magnesium stearate; disintegrants, for example starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycollate or microcrystalline cellulose; or pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate.

The solid oral compositions may be prepared by conventional methods of blending, filling or tabletting. Repeated blending operations may be used to distribute the active agent throughout those compositions employing large quantities of fillers. Such operations are conventional in the art. The tablets may for example be prepared by wet or dry granulation and optionally coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice, in particular with an enteric coating.

The pharmaceutical compositions may also be adapted for parenteral administration, such as sterile solutions, suspensions or lyophilized products in the apropriate unit dosage form. Adequate excipients can be used, such as bulking agents, buffering agents or surfactants.

The mentioned formulations will be prepared using standard methods such as those described or referred to in the Spanish and US Pharmacopoeias and similar reference texts.

Administration of the compounds or compositions of the present invention may be by any suitable method, such as intravenous infusion, oral preparations, and intraperitoneal and intravenous administration. Oral administration is preferred because of the convenience for the patient and the chronic character of the diseases to be treated.

Generally an effective administered amount of a compound of the invention will depend on the relative efficacy of the compound chosen, the severity of the disorder being treated and the weight of the sufferer. However, active compounds will typically be administered once or more times a day for example 1, 2, 3 or 4 times daily, with typical total daily doses in the range of from 0.1 to 1000 mg/kg/day.

The compounds and compositions of this invention may be used with other drugs to provide a combination therapy. The other drugs may form part of the same composition, or be provided as a separate composition for administration at the same time or at different time.

The compounds and compositions of the invention may be used as a pharmacological tool. The phrase “pharmacological tool” refers to the property through which the compounds are selective ligands for Sigma receptors. The compounds described in this invention can be used as a model for testing other compounds as sigma ligands, for example in radioactive ligands being replaced. The compounds can also be used for modeling physiological actions related to sigma receptors.

The following examples are given only as further illustration of the invention, they should not be taken as a definition of the limits of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Synthesis of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (1) Step 1: Synthesis of ethyl 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)acetate

Pd—C (150 mg, 10%) is added to a solution of a mixture of E/Z isomers of ethyl (1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4H-indazol-4-ylidene)acetate (1.6 g, 5.67 mmol) in 50 mL of EtOH, and the resulting solution is stirred under nitrogen atmosphere (50 psi) in a Parr hydrogenator for 18 hours. The reaction mixture is purged with nitrogen, filtered through Celite and the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure, to obtain ethyl 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)acetate (1.60 g, 5.63 mmol, 99%, oil).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.29 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.48 (m, 1H), 1.73 (m, 1H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 2.45 (dd, J=15.4 Hz, J′=8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.68 (m, 3H), 3.26 (m, 1H), 4.20 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.52 (m, 5H).

Step 2: Synthesis of 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)ethanol

A solution of ethyl 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)acetate (1.40 g, 5.79 mmol) in 5 mL of THF is added over an aluminium-lithium hydride stirred suspension (300 mg, 7.9 mmol) in 20 mL of THF at room temperature. The mixture is maintained under stirring at room temperature for 18 hours and is afterwards refluxed during 1 hour. The mixture is hydrolyzed with ice and NaOH (10%), filtered through Celite and the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure, to obtain 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)ethanol (1.10 g, 4.55 mmol, 79%, oil)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.45 (m, 1H), 1.72 (m, 2H), 1.98 (m, 3H), 2.32 (br s, 1H), 2.71 (m, 2H), 2.91 (m, 1H), 3.84 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.55 (m, 4H), 7.57 (s, 1H).

Step 3: Synthesis of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole

Thionyl cloride (4 mL) is slowly added at room temperature over a solution of 2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)ethanol (516 mg, 2.13 mmol) in 25 mL of toluene. The reaction mixture is heated at 90° C. during 2 hours. The solvent is eliminated at reduced pressure. The crude is diluted in ethyl acetate and washed twice with a NaHCO₃ solution. The solvent is next evaporated at reduced pressure, to obtain 4-(2-chloroethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (423 mg, 1.62 mmol, 76%, oil).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.45 (m, 1H), 1.73 (m, 1H), 1.94 (m, 3H), 2.18 (m, 1H), 2.71 (m, 2H), 3.00 (m, 1H), 3.70 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 7.47 (m, 4H), 7.55 (s, 1H).

Step 4: Synthesis of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole

A mixture of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (423 mg, 1.62 mmol), K₂CO₃ (336 mg, 2.43 mmol), morpholin (0.42 mL, 4.87 mmol) and a catalytic amount of K1 in 20 mL of DMF is heated to reflux during 18 hours. The solvent is eliminated at reduced pressure, the crude is diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and the organic phase is evaporated at reduced pressure. The resultant crude is purified by chromatography on silica-gel to obtain 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (384 mg, 1.23 mmol, 76%, oil)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.42 (m, 1H), 1.67 (m, 2H), 1.92 (m, 3H), 2.40-2.60 (m, 6H), 2.69 (m, 2H), 2.77 (m, 1H), 3.74 (m, 4H), 7.29 (m, 1H), 7.44 (m, 4H), 7.51 (s, 1H).

Example 2 Synthesis of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate (2)

HO₂CCO₂H.2H₂O (156 mg, 1.23 mmol) is added to a solution of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (380 mg, 1.22 mmol) in 4 mL of acetone giving 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate (318 mg, 0.79 mmol, 65%, white solid).

m.p.=150-151° C.

¹H RMN (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆, TFA): δ 1.36 (m, 1H), 1.60 (m, 1H), 1.71-1.93 (m, 3H), 2.04 (m, 1H), 2.56-2.77 (m, 3H), 3.03 (in, 2H), 3.21 (m, 2H), 3.44 (d, J=12.7 Hz, 2H), 3.62 (t, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.49 (m, 4H), 7.62 (s, 1H), 9.69 (m, 1H).

Example 3 Synthesis of 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholino-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (3) Step 1: Synthesis of 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-indazol-4-one

A mixture of 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)hydrazine hydrochloride (6.78 g, 31.8 mmol) and anhydrous sodium acetate (2.60 g, 31.8 mmol) in n-BuOH (20 mL) is slowly added to a solution of 2-((dimethylamino)methylene)cyclohexane-1,3-dione (5.32 g, 31.8 mmol) in n-BuOH (100 mL) and acetic acid (5 mL). The resulting mixture is heated to reflux during 2 hours, effecting follow-up of the reaction by TLC. The solvent is evaporated at reduced pressure, the residue is diluted in AcOEt and washed with H₂O. The solvent is next evaporated, and the crude is purified by silica-gel chromatography, to obtain 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-indazol-4-one (5.0 g, 17.79 mmol, 56%, orange solid).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 2.17 (m, 2H), 2.51 (m, 2H), 2.96 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (t, J=8.6 Hz, J′=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H).

Step 2: Synthesis of a E/Z isomers mixture of ethyl (1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-indazol-4-ylidene)acetate

A suspension of sodium hydride (428 mg, 60% suspension, 10.6 mmol) is added under nitrogen atmosphere to a solution of triethyl phosphonoacetate (2.40 g, 10.6 mmol) in THF (40 mL) and maintained to room temperature during 10 minutes. Next, 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-indazol-4-one (1.0 g, 3.56 mmol) is added to the previous solution and the mixture is refluxed during 18 hours, effecting a follow-up of the reaction with TLC. The solution is poured over water and is then extracted with AcOEt. The organic phase is next evaporated at reduced pressure to obtain a solidifying oil and the crude is purified by silica-gel chromatography, to obtain a E/Z isomers mixture of ethyl (1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-indazol-4-ylidene)acetate (1.2 g, 3.41 mmol, 96%, orange solid).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.31 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.96 (m, 2H), 2.56 y 3.16 (2m, 2H), 2.84 (m, 2H), 4.20 (m, 2H), 5.67 y 6.09 (2s, 1H), 7.35 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.90 y 8.83 (2s, 1H).

Step 3: Synthesis of ethyl 2-(1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)acetate

PtO₂ (30 mg) is added to a solution of a E/Z isomers mixture of ethyl (1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-indazol-4-ylidene)acetate (1.5 g, 4.27 mmol) in acetic acid (25 mL); the mixture is maintained under stirring under a pressure of 1 H₂ atm. A sample is next extracted and a ¹H NRM is done. The mixture is then filtered, diluted with AcOEt, and washed with H₂ O and with a saturated solution of NaHCO₃. The solvent is next evaporated at reduced pressure, giving ethyl 2-(1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)acetate (1.0 g, 2.83 mmol, purity 66%, oil).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.29 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.45 (m, 1H), 1.74 (m, 2H), 2.44 (dd, J=15.4 Hz, J′=7.9 Hz, 1H), 2.61-2.73 (m, 3H), 3.24 (m, 1H), 4.20 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (dd, J=8.8 Hz, J′=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.64 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H).

Step 4: Synthesis of 2-(1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)ethanol

A solution of DlBALH (1 M) in toluene (13 mL, 13.0 mmol) is slowly added, maintaining the reaction temperature under −65° C., to a solution of ethyl 2-(1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)acetate (1.83 g, 5.2 mmol) in 20 mL of dried Cl₂CH₂ cooled at −75° C. under N₂ atmosphere. The resulting mixture is maintained under stirring at −70° C. during 30 minutes, effecting a follow-up of the reaction by TLC. Next, the temperature is raised to 0° C., and 10 mL of cold water are added, while the temperature is maintained at 0° C. A precipitate is formed, which is filtered and washed with Cl₂CH₂. The organic phase is washed twice with water, dried, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude is purified by silica-gel chromatography, giving 2-(1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)ethanol (1.06 g, 3.41 mmol, 66%, oil).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1:43 (m, 1H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.90-2.18 (m, 4H), 2.69 (m, 2H), 2.87 (m, 1H), 3.79 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (dd, J=8.7 Hz, J′=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H).

Step 5: Synthesis of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1H-indazole

Thionyl cloride (4 mL) is slowly added at room temperature over a solution of 2-(1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)ethanol (512 mg, 1.65 mmol) in 20 mL of toluene. The reaction mixture is heated at 90° C. during 2 hours. The solvent is eliminated at reduced pressure. The crude is diluted in ethyl acetate and washed twice with a NaHCO₃ solution. The solvent is next evaporated at reduced pressure to obtain 4-(2-chloroethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1H-indazole (462 mg, 1.40 mmol, 85%, oil).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.44 (m, 1H), 1.75 (m, 1H), 1.84-2.12 (m, 3H), 2.18 (m, 1H), 2.72 (m, 2H), 2.99 (m, 1H), 3.69 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (dd, J=8.6 Hz, J′=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H).

Step 6: Synthesis of 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole

A mixture of 4-(2-chloroethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1H-indazole (235 mg, 0.71 mmol), K₂CO₃ (99 mg, 0.71 mmol), 4-phenylpiperidine (97 mg, 0.71 mmol) and a catalytic amount of K1 in 5 mL of DMF is heated to reflux during 18 hours. The solvent is eliminated at reduced pressure, the crude is diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and the organic phase is evaporated at reduced pressure. The resultant crude is purified by chromatography on silica-gel to obtain 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (146 mg, 0.32 mmol, 45%, oil).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.36-2.30 (m, 12H), 2.50-2.83 (m, 6H), 3.20 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.40 (m, 6H), 7.51 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H).

Example 4 Synthesis of 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (4)

HO₂CCO₂H.2H₂O (40 mg, 0.32 mmol) is added to a solution of 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (140 mg, 0.31 mmol) in 4 mL of acetone, giving 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (125 mg, 0.23 mmol, 74%, white solid).

m.p.=133-134° C.

Example 5 Synthesis of (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (5) Step 1: Synthesis of 1-[2-(1-phenyl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-indazol-4-ylidene)-ethyl]-pyridinium toluene-4-sulfonate

p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (210 mg, 1.10 mmol) is added to a solution of (E)-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)etanol (254 mg, 1.05 mmol) in 10 mL de pyridine cooled to a 0° C. The reaction is followed up by TLC. Next, the solvent is evaporated, the crude is diluted with CHCl₃, and washed with a diluted solution of NaHCO₃. The organic phase is evaporated at reduced pressure, to obtain 1-[2-(1-phenyl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-4-ylidene)-ethyl]-pyridinium toluene-4-sulfonate (300 mg, 0.63 mmol, 60%, yellow solid).

Step 2: Synthesis of (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole

A mixture of 1-[2-(1-phenyl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-indazol-4-ylidene)-ethyl]-pyridinium toluene-4-sulfonate (290 mg, 0.63 mmol) and morpholin (180 mg, 1, 5 mmol) in 15 mL of acetonitrile is refluxed during 4 hours, following the reaction by TLC. The solvent is next evaporated, the crude is diluted in ethyl acetate and washed three times with water. Then the organic phase is evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude thus obtained is purified by silica gel cgromatography giving (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (110 mg, 0.36 mmol, 57%, beige solid, m.p=114-116° C.).

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.87 (m, 2H), 2.40-2.62 (m, 6H), 2.81 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.18 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (m, 4H), 5.81 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (m, 1H), 7.47 (m, 4H), 7.81 (s, 1H).

The following compounds are prepared in a similar way:

Example 6 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (6)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.41 (m, 1H), 1.66 (m, 2H), 1.93 (m, 3H), 2.47 (m, 6H), 2.62-2.79 (m, 3H), 3.71 (t, J=4.7 Hz, 4H), 7.34 (dd, J=8.7 Hz, J′=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), (65 mg, 0.17 mmol, 23%, oil).

Example 7 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (7)

(45 mg, 0.10 mmol, 59%, cream solid, m.p.=148.0-149.8° C.).

Example 8 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (8)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.44 (m, 1H), 1.70 (m, 1H), 1.79-2.11 (m, 8H), 2.23 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.85 (m, 6H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 7.16-7.35 (m, 6H), 7.40-7.52 (m, 4H), 7.54 (s, 1H), (106 mg, 0.28 mmol, 28%, oil).

Example 9 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (9)

(47 mg, 0.10 mmol, 36%, white solid, m.p.=124-125° C.).

Example 10 4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (10)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.42 (m, 1H), 1.68 (m, 2H), 1.92 (m, 3H), 2.40-2.80 (m 13H), 3.52 (s, 2H), 7.20-7.37 (m, 6H), 7.39-7.52 (m, 5), (110 mg, 0.27 mmol, 23%, beige solid, m.p.=98-101° C.).

Example 11 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethyl)-1H-indazole (11)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.40 (m, 1H), 1.60-1.80 (m, 4H), 1.88-2.05 (m, 5H), 2.40 (m, 2H), 2.57 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (m, 2H), 2.74 (m, 1H), 2.90 (m, 2H), 5.04 (s, 2H), 7.10-7.30 (m, 5H), 7.37-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.51 (s, 1H), (163 mg, 0.39 mmol, 34%, oil).

Example 12 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (12)

(148 mg, 0.29 mmol, 74%, white solid, m.p.=133-135° C.).

Example 13 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (13)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.44 (m, 3H), 1.69 (m, 6H), 1.95 (m, 3H), 2.55 (m, 6H), 2.69 (m, 2H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 7.30 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.50 (m, 4H), 7.51 (s, 1H), (83 mg, 0.27 mmol, 23%, oil).

Example 14 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (14)

(50 mg, 0.13 mmol, 48%, white solid, m.p.=185-188° C.).

Example 15 (E)-4-(2-(azepan-1-yl)ethylidene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (15)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.56-1.80 (m, 8H), 1.85 (m, 2H), 2.47 (m, 2H), 2.73 (m, 4H), 2.81 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.34 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 5.87 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 7.47 (m, 4H), 7.83 (s, 1H), (17 mg, 0.05 mmol, 11%, oil).

Example 16 (E)-4-(2-(azepan-1-yl)ethylidene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate (16)

(15 mg, 0.04 mmol, 80%, white solid, m.p.=171-173° C.).

Example 17 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole (17)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.90 (m, 4H), 2.02 (m, 2H), 2.29 (m, 2H), 2.46 (m, 3H), 2.82 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (m, 2H), 3.36 (m, 2H), 5.90 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.18-7.38 (m, 6H), 7.47 (m, 4H), 7.85 (s, 1H), (30 mg, 0.08 mmol, 16%, beige solid, m.p.=110-112° C.).

Example 18 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethylidene)-1H-indazole (18)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.78-1.97 (m, 4H), 2.20 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.70 (m, 4H), 2.82 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.08 (m, 2H), 3.36 (m, 2H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 5.91 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.18-7.38 (m, 5H), 7.47 (m, 4H), 7.86 (s, 1H), (50 mg, 0.12 mmol, 24%, oil).

Example 19 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethylidene)-1H-indazole oxalate (19)

(18 mg, 0.04 mmol, 36%, white solid, m.p.=155-157° C.).

Example 20 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole (20)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.89 (m, 2H), 2.51 (m, 2H), 2.73 (m, 4H), 2.83 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.28 (m, 6H), 5.87 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.22-7.37 (m, 3H), 7.48 (m, 4H), 7.84 (s, 1H), (20 mg, 0.05 mmol, 10%, beige solid, m.p.=114-116° C.).

Example 21 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-((E)-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)ethyl)isoquinoline (21)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.90 (m, 2H), 2.52 (m, 2H), 2.83 (m, 4H), 2.95 (m, 2H), 3.38 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (s. 2H), 5.93 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 7.12 (m, 3H), 7.33 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.52 (m, 4H), 7.84 (s, 1H), (60 mg, 0.17 mmol, 34%, oil).

Example 22 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-((E)-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)ethyl)-isoquinoline oxalate (22)

(25 mg, 0.06 mmol, 40%, white solid, m.p.=217-218° C.).

Example 23 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole (23)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.40-2.20 (m, 9H), 2.46 (m, 2H), 2.80 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 2.85-3.38 (m, 4H), 5.87 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.18-7.38 (m, 6H), 7.46 (m, 4H), 7.83 (s, 1H), (46 mg, 0.12 mmol, 24%, beige solid, m.p.=136-138° C.).

Example 24 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole (24)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.82 (M, 2H), 1.92 (m, 1H), 2.32 (m, 1H), 2.45 (m, 2H), 2.57 (m, 1H), 2.75 (m, 3H), 3.01 (m, 1H), 3.23 (m, 1H), 3.38 (m, 3H), 5.83 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.09-7.30 (m, 6H), 7.34-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.77 (s, 1H), (60 mg, 0.16 mmol, 32%, oil).

Example 25 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole oxalate (25)

(46 mg, 0.10 mmol, 67%, white solid, m.p.=178-181° C.).

Example 26 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (26)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.91 (m, 2H), 2.52 (m, 2H), 2.83 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.70 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 4.20 (s, 4H), 5.93 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.50 (m, 9H), 7.83 (s, 1H), (20 mg, 0.06 mmol, 12%, beige solid, m.p.=130-131° C.).

Example 27 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole (27)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.48 (m, 2H), 1.68 (m, 4H), 1.87 (m, 2H), 2.37-2.66 (m, 6H), 2.81 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.22 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 5.86 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.50 (m, 4H), 7.83 (s, 1H), (60 mg, 0.20 mmol, 40%, beige solid, m.p.=101-104° C.)

Example 28 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (28)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.44 (m, 1H), 1.71 (m, 2H), 1.98 (m, 3H), 2.55-2.85 (m, 9H), 3.29 (br s, 4H), 6.83-6.95 (m, 3H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.35 (dd, J=8.8 Hz, J′=2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), (75 mg, 0.16 mmol, 47%, oil).

Example 29 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (29)

(50 mg, 0.09 mmol, 60%, white solid, m.p.=183-184° C.).

Example 30 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole (30)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.82 (m, 2H), 2.25 (m, 1H), 2.59 (m, 6H), 2.80 (m, 1H), 2.89-3.12 (m, 3H), 3.80 (br s, 4H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 7.41 (m, 2H), 7.61 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), (114 mg, 0.38 mmol, 72%, oil).

Example 31 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole oxalate (31)

(98 mg, 0.25 mmol, 71%, beige solid, m.p.=159.0-161.8).

Example 32 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (32)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.44 (m, 1H), 1.62-1.78 (m, 2H), 1.99 (m, 3H), 2.58 (m, 2H), 2.63-2.75 (m, 6H), 2.80 (m, 1H), 3.23 (m, 4H), 6.85 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.23-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.40-7.52 (m, 4H), 7.55 (s, 1H), (160 mg, 0.41 mmol, 36%, oil).

Example 33 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (33)

(150 mg, 0.31 mmol, 76%, white solid, m.p.=177-80° C.).

Example 34 2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoindoline (34)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.97 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 1H), 2.85 (m, 1H), 3.01 (m, 4H), 3.17 (m, 1H), 4.16 (s, 1H), 7.23 (s, 5H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), (93 mg, 0.28 mmol, 70%, oil).

Example 35 2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoindoline oxalate (35)

(35 mg, 0.08 mmol, 33%, greyish solid, m.p.=195-197° C.).

Example 36 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole (36)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.90-2.18 (m, 3H), 2.35 (m, 2H), 2.52-3.20 (m, 9H), 3.69 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.46 (m, 9H), 7.61 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), (41.8 mg, 0.11 mmol, 27%, beige solid, m.p.=83-86° C.).

Example 37 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole (37)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.49 (m, 2H), 1.70 (m, 4H), 1.86 (m, 2H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.56 (m, 6H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.10 (m, 3H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 7.41 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), (14 mg, 0.05 mmol, 10%, orange solid, m.p.=213-219° C.).

Example 38 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole (38)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.82 (m, 2H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.58 (m, 2H), 2.68 (m, 4H), 2.80 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.20 (m, 3H), 3.24 (in, 4H), 6.86 (m, 1H), 6.94 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.22-7.30 (m, 3H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), (65 mg, 0.17 mmol, 32%, beige solid, m.p.=82.5-83.5C).

Example 39 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole (39)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.84 (m, 6H), 3.25 (m, 1H), 2.65 (m, 6H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.12 (m, 3H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 55 mg, 0.20 mmol, 38%, oil).

Example 40 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole oxalate (40)

(21.5 mg, 0.06 mmol, 33%, white solid, m.p.=134.2-136° C.).

Example 41 4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole (41)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.76 (m, 2H), 2.22 (m, 1H), 2.38-2.65 (m, 10), 2.78 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.10 (m, 3H), 3.52 (s, 2H), 7.18-739 (m, 6H), 7.41 (s, 1H), 7.44 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), (124 mg, 0.33 mmol, 62%, oil).

Example 42 4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole dioxalate (42)

(149 mg, 0.26 mmol, 87%, white solid, m.p.=215-218° C.).

Example 43 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoquinoline (43)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.86 (m, 2H), 2.28 (m, 1H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 2.70-3.18 (m, 8H), 3.66 (s, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 7.11 (m, 3H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 7.41 (m, 3H), 7.63 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), (73 mg, 0.21 mmol, 39%, beige amorphous solid).

Example 44 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoquinoline oxalate (44)

(47.9 mg, 0.11 mmol, 58%, beige solid, m.p.=200.5-203.0° C.).

Example 45 4-(2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole (45)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 2.04 (m, 2H), 2.22 (m, 1H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.10 (m, 3H), 4.09 (m, 2H), 6.96 (s, 1H), 7.09 (s, 1H), 7.25 (m, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 7.62 (s, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), (65.8 mg, 0.24 mmol, 44%, orange solid, m.p.=102.9-105.7° C.).

Example 46 cis-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta-[c]pyrazole (46)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.17 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 6H), 1.78 (m, 4H), 2.23 (m, 1H), 2.48 (m, 2H), 2.82 (m, 3H), 3.02 (m, 3H), 3.74 (m, 2H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), (220 mg, 0.68 mmol, 64%, oil).

Example 47 cis-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta-[c]pyrazole oxalate (47)

(193 mg, 0.46 mmol, 68%, white solid, m.p.=160.2-161.5° C.).

Example 48 cis-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (48)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.70 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H), 1.42 (m, 1H), 1.56-1.84 (m, 4H), 1.94 (m, 3H), 2.51 (m, 2H), 2.62-2.90 (m, 5H), 3.74 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.52 (m, 5H), (200 mg, 0.59 mmol, 51%, oil).

Example 49 cis-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethyl morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate (49)

(150 mg, 0.35 mmol, 61%, white solid, m.p.=186.6-190.0° C.).

Example 50 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole (50)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.60-1.92 (m, 4H), 2.00 (m, 2H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.43 (m, 2H), 2.57 (m, 2H), 2.70-3.12 (m, 6H), 5.06 (s, 2H), 7.05-7.30 (m, 5H), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.62 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), (159 mg, 0.40 mmol, 74%, oil).

Example 51 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole oxalate (51)

(48.6 mg, 0.10 mmol, 25%, white solid, m.p.=170.5-173.6° C.).

Example 52 N-benzyl-2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine (52)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.82 (m, 2H), 2.21 (m, 1H), 2.32 (br s, 3H), 2.61 (m, 2H), 2.77 (m, 1H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 3.08 (m, 1H), 3.64 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.45 (m, 9H), 7.61 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), (60 mg, 0.18 mmol, 37%, oil).

Example 53 Diastereomeric Mixture of 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole (53)

(128 mg, 0.35 mmol, 65%, oil).

Example 54 N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine (54)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.39 (m, 1H), 1.67 (m, 2H), 1.93 (m, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 2.69 (m, 2H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 3.59 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.53 (m, 11H), (149.7 mg, 0.43 mmol, 45%, oil).

Example 55 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (55)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.48 (m, 1H), 1.62-1.909 (m, 2H), 1.92-2.15 (m, 3H), 2.72 (br s, 2H), 2.83-3.05 (in, 3H), 4.09 (s, 4H), 7.16-7.39 (m, 5H), 7.40-7.60 (m, 5H), (201 mg, 0.59 mmol, 62%, oil).

Example 56 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate (56)

(146.9 mg, 0.34 mmol, 60%, greyish solid, m.p.=195.7-200.0° C.).

Example 57 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (57)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.39 (m, 1H), 1.63-2.40 (m, 1H), 2.42-2.78 (m, 6H), 3.24 (m, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 7.18-7.38 (m, 6H), (158 mg, 0.49 mmol, 39%, oil).

Example 58 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (58)

(77.5 mg, 0.19 mmol, 40%, white solid, m.p.=117.3-120.5° C.).

Example 59 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole (59)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.40 (m, 1H), 1.76 (m, 2H), 1.98 (m, 3H), 2.54 (br s, 2H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.93 (m, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 4.08 (m, 4H), 7.18-7.40 (m, 5H), (96.4 mg, 0.34 mmol, 45%, oil).

Example 60 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole oxalate (60)

(51 mg, 0.14 mmol, 45%, greyish solid, m.p.=125.5-128.5° C.).

Example 61 N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine (61)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.30 (m, 1H), 1.68 (m, 2H), 1.92 (m, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.42-2.62 (m, 4H), 2.69 (m, 1H), 3.60 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 7.20-7.42 (m, 6H), (90.8 mg, 0.32 mmol, 43%, oil).

Example 62 N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine oxalate (62)

(42.6 mg, 0.11 mmol, 37%, white solid, m.p.=140.2-141.7° C.).

Example 63 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (63)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.35 (m, 1H), 1.65 (m, 2H), 1.92 (m, 3H), 2.42-2.60 (m, 8H), 2.66 (m, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.75 (m, 4H), 7.27 (s, 1H), (60.8 mg, 0.24 mmol, 32%, oil).

Example 64 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (64)

(22 mg, 0.06 mmol, 30%, white solid, m.p.=137.7-139.3° C.).

Example 65 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (65)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.43 (m, 1H), 1.69 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 3H), 2.52 (m, 6H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 2.77 (m, 1H), 3.75 (m, 4H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.44 (dd, J=9.2 Hz, J′=4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (s, 1H), (84 mg, 0.25 mmol, 46%, oil).

Example 66 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (66)

(67 mg, 0.16 mmol, 70%, white solid, m.p.=148-151° C.).

Example 67 cis-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (67)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.17 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H), 1.41 (m, 1H), 1.60-1.81 (m, 4), 1.94 (m, 3H), 2.48 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 2.71-2.86 (m, 3H), 3.71 (m, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.44 (dd, J=9.1 Hz, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (s, 1H), (114 mg, 0.32 mmol, 59%, oil).

Example 68 cis-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (68)

(86 mg, 0.19 mmol, 63%, white solid, m.p.=164-169° C.).

Example 69 N-benzyl-2-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine (69)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CD₃OD): δ 1.42 (m, 1H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.96 (m, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.54-2.67 (m, 4H), 2.57 (m, 1H), 3.59 y 3.61 (AB System, J_(AB)=12.8 Hz, 2H), 7.21-7.40 (m, 7H), 7.43-7.56 (m, 3H), (100 mg, 0.28 mmol, 52%, oil).

Example 70 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (70)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.48 (m, 1H), 1.74 (m, 2H), 2.00 (m, 3H), 2.67 (m, 2H), 2.82-2.94 (m, 3H), 4.00 (s, 4H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.21 (m, 4H), 7.46 (dd, J=8.9 Hz, J′=4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1H), (117 mg, 0.32 mmol, 59%, oil).

Example 71 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate (71)

(55 mg, 0.12 mmol, 40%, greyish solid, m.p.=176-179° C.).

Example 72 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole (72)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.47 (m, 1H), 1.71 (m, 1H), 1.80-2.85 (m, 17H), 3.41 (m, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.38 (m, 5H), 7.44 (dd, J=9.1 Hz, J′=4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (s, 1H), (65 mg, 0.16 mmol, 30%, beige solid, m.p.=93-94.5° C.).

Chiral Separation of Example 1

The enantiomeric separation of the racemic compound 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (Example 1) is carried out by chiral semipreparative HPLC, using a Chiralpak AS, 10 microm. p.s. 25×2 cm column from Daicel. The mobile phase used is n-hexane/ethanol 95/5 v/v at a flowrate of 13 mL/min.

Compound's data:

-1^(st) Peak: retention time=11.5 min (examples 73 and 74).

Example 73 (+)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole

Oil, [alpha]_(D) ²⁰+4.3 (c=1, CHCl₃), ee>99.9%.

Example 74 (+)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate

102 mg, white solid, m.p.=175-176° C., [alpha]_(D) ²⁰+1.7 (c=1, MeOH), ee 99.5%.

-2^(nd) Peak: retention time=13.2 min (examples 75 and 76).

Example 75 (−)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole

Oil, [alpha]_(D) ²⁰−5.8 (c=1, CHCl₃), ee>98.4%.

Example 76 (−)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate

104 mg, white solid, m.p.=175-176° C., [alpha]_(D) ²⁰−1.3 (c=1, MeOH), ee>98.4%).

Example 77 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate (77)

(127 mg, 0.32 mmol, 16.7%, white solid, p.f=156-157° C.)

Example 78 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole oxalate (78)

(82 mg, 0.21 mmol, 29.1%, white solid, p.f.=188-189° C.)

Example 79 (E)-N-benzyl-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)-N-methylethanamine (79)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.87 (m, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.45 (m, 2H), 2.81 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.23 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.59 (s, 2H), 5.88 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.50 (m, 10H), 7.83 (s, 1H), (158 mg, 0.46 mmol, 26%, oil).

Example 80 (E)-N-benzyl-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)-N-methylethanamine oxalate (80)

(118 mg, 0.27 mmol, 59%, p.f.=107-108° C., yellow solid).

Example 81 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(cis-2.6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole (81)

¹H RMN (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.17 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H), 1.80 (m, 4H), 2.48 (m, 2H), 2.84 (m, 4H), 3.19 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.77 (m, 2H), 5.82 (m, 1H), 7.35 (m, 1H), 7.46 (m, 4H), 7.83 (s, 1H), (84 mg, 0.25 mmol, 15%, oil).

Example 82 (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(cis-2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate (82)

(40 mg, 0.09 mmol, 37%, p.f.=133-136° C., yellow solid).

Biological Activity Examples

Some representative compounds of the invention were tested for their activity as sigma (sigma-1 and sigma-2) inhibitors. The following protocols were followed:

Sigma-1

Brain membrane preparation and binding assays for the σ1-receptor were performed as described (DeHaven-Hudkins et al., 1992) with some modifications. In brief, guinea pig brains were homogenized in 10 vols. (w/v) of Tris-HCl 50 mM 0.32 M sucrose, pH 7.4. with a Kinematica Polytron PT 3000 at 15000 r.p.m. for 30 s. The homogenate was centrifuged at 1000 g for 10 min at 4° C. and the supernatants collected and centrifuged again at 48000 g for 15 min at 4° C. The pellet was resuspended in 10 volumes of Tris-HCl buffer (50 mM, pH 7.4), incubated at 37° C. for 30 min, and centrifuged at 48000 g for 20 min at 4° C. Following this, the pellet was resuspended in fresh Tris-HCl buffer (50 mM, pH 7.4) and stored on ice until use.

Each assay tube contained 10 μL of [³H](+)-pentazocine (final concentration of 0.5 nM), 900 μL of the tissue suspension to a final assay volume of 1 mL and a final tissue concentration of approximately 30 mg tissue net weight/mL. Non-specific binding was defined by addition of a final concentration of 1 μM haloperidol. All tubes were incubated at 37° C. for 150 min before termination of the reaction by rapid filtration over Schleicher & Schuell GF 3362 glass fibre filters [previously soaked in a solution of 0.5% polyethylenimine for at least 1 h]. Filters were then washed with four times with 4 mL of cold Tris-HCl buffer (50 mM, pH 7.4). Following addition of scintillation cocktail, the samples were allowed to equilibrate overnight. The amount of bound radioactivity was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry using a Wallac Winspectral 1414 liquid scintillation counter. Protein concentrations were determined by the method of Lowry et al. (1951).

REFERENCES

-   DeHaven-Hudkins, D. L., L. C. Fleissner, and F. Y. Ford-Rice, 1992.     Characterization of the binding of [³H](+)pentazocine to σ     recognition sites in guinea pig brain, Eur. J. Pharmacol. 227.     371-378. -   Lowry, O. H., N. J. Rosebrough, A. L. Farr, and R. J. Randall, 1951.     Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent, J. Biol. Chem,     193, 265.     Sigma-2

Binding studies for σ2-receptor were performed as described (Radesca et al., 1991) with some modifications. In brief, brains from sigma receptor type 1 (sigma-1) knockout mice were homogenized in a volume of 10 mL/g tissue net weight of ice-cold 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4. containing 320 mM sucrose (Tris-sucrose buffer) with a Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer (10 strokes at 500 r.p.m.) The homogenates were then centrifuged at 1000 g for 10 min at 4° C., and the supernatants were saved. The pellets were resuspended by vortexing in 2 mL/g ice-cold Tris-sucrose buffer and centrifuged again at 1000 g for 10 min. The combined 1000 g supernatants were centrifuged at 31000 g for 15 min at 4° C. The pellets were resuspended by vortexing in 3 mL/g 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4. and the suspension was kept at 25° C. for 15 min. Following centrifugation at 31000 g for 15 min, the pellets were resuspended by gentle Potter Elvehjem homogenization to a volume of 1.53 mL/g in 10 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4.

The assay tubes contained 10 μL of [³H]-DTG (final concentration of 3 nM), 400 μL of the tissue suspension (5.3 mL/g in 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0) to a final assay volume of 0.5 mL. Non-specific binding was defined by addition of a final concentration of 1 μM haloperidol. All tubes were incubated at 25° C. for 120 min before termination of the reaction by rapid filtration over Schleicher & Schuell GF 3362 glass fibre filters [previously soaked in a solution of 0.5% polyethylenimine for at least 1 h]. Filters were washed with three times with 5 mL volumes of cold Tris-HCl buffer (10 mM, pH 8.0). Following addition of scintillation cocktail samples were allowed to equilibrate overnight. The amount of bound radioactivity was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry using a Wallac Winspectral 1414 liquid scintillation counter. Protein concentrations were determined by the method of Lowry et al. (1951).

REFERENCES

-   L., W. D. Bowen, and L. Di Paolo, B. R. de Costa, 1991. Synthesis     and Receptor Binding of Enantiomeric N-Substituted     cis-N-[2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ciclohexalamines     as High-Affinity σ Receptor Ligands, J. Med. Chem. 34. 3065-3074. -   Langa, F., Codony X., Tovar V., Lavado A., Giménez E., Cozar P.,     Cantero M., Dordal A., Hernández E., Perez R., Monroy X., Zamanillo     D., Guitart X., Montoliu L I., 2003. Generation and phenotypic     analisis of sigma receptor type I (Sigma1) knockout mice, European     Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 18. 2188-2196. -   Lowry, O. H., N. J. Rosebrough, A. L. Farr, and R. J. Randall, 1951.     Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent, J. Biol.     Chem, 193. 265.

The results are summarized in the following table I:

TABLE I binding binding binding binding compound sigma-1 sigma-1 sigma-2 sigma-2 no. (*) Ki (nm) (*) Ki (nm) 1 99 2.8 74 474 8 101.2 1.5 107 37 5 94 37.2 39.0 7 100 4.3 98.1 4 100.4 10.6 98 316 74 99.4 79 76 102.2 60.2 (*) % of radioactively labeled compound replaced by the tested compopund

Moreover, analgesia was found in in vivo test performed with the compounds of the invention. 

1. A compound of the formula I:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group formed by hydrogen, susbtituted or unsubstituted alkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted aryl, susbtituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, and susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl; R₂ is selected from the group formed by hydrogen, susbtituted or unsubstituted alkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, susbtituted or unsubstituted aryl, susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, and susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group formed by hydrogen, susbtituted or unsubstituted alkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted aryl, susbtituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl and susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl or, together, R₃ and R₄ form a 3 to 6 substituted or unsubstituted member ring; R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group formed by hydrogen, susbtituted or unsubstituted alkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, susbtituted or unsubstituted aryl, susbtituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl and susbtituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl or, R₅ and R₆ together, form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl having 3 to 7 atoms in the ring; n is selected from 0, 1 and 2; m is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; the dotted line - - - is either a single or a double bond; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, isomer, prodrug or solvate thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 characterized in that R₂ is hydrogen, m is 1 and n is
 1. 3. A compound according to claim 1 characterized in that R₃ and R₄ are both hydrogen.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 characterized in that R₁ is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.
 5. A compound according to claim 1 characterized in that R₅ and R₆ together form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl having 3 to 7 atoms in the ring.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 which is: 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate, 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholino-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, 4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethyl)-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1 (3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, (E)-4-(2-(azepan-1-yl)ethylidene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, (E)-4-(2-(azepan-1-yl)ethylidene)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethylidene)-1H-indazole, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]ethylidene)-1H-indazole oxalate, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-((E)-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)ethyl)isoquinoline, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-((E)-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)ethyl)isoquinoline oxalate, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole oxalate, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole, 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole oxalate, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, 2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoindoline, 2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoindoline oxalate, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole oxalate, 4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole, 4-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole dioxalate, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoquinoline, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-(2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl)isoquinoline oxalate, 4-(2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole, cis-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole, cis-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazole oxalate, cis-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, cis-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]-ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-[spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl]-ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole oxalate, N-benzyl-2-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenylcyclopenta[c]pyrazol-4-yl)-N-methyl-ethanamine, diastereomeric mixture of 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclopenta[c]pyrazole, N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole oxalate, N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine, N-benzyl-2-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methylethanamine oxalate, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, cis-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, cis-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, N-benzyl-2-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indazol-4-yl)-N-methyl-ethanamine, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(isoindolin-2-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole oxalate, 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indazole, (+)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, (+)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate, (−)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, (−)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, oxalate, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethylidene)-1H-indazole oxalate, (E)-N-benzyl-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)-N-methyl-ethanamine, (E)-N-benzyl-2-(6,7-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-indazol-4(5H)-ylidene)-N-methyl-ethanamine oxalate, (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(cis-2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-y)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole, or (E)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4-(2-(cis-2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)ethylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-indazole oxalate.
 7. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) or a salt, isomer or solvate thereof as claimed in claim 1, which comprises the coupling of a compound of Formula (II):

in which R₁-R₄, m and n are as defined in claim 1, and X is a leaving group, with a compound of Formula (III): HNR₅R₆   (III) in which R₅ and R₆ are as defined in claim
 1. 8. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, isomer or solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle.
 9. A method for the manufacture of a medicament comprising the step of combining a compound as defined in claim 1 with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle.
 10. A compound according to claim 2 characterized in that R₃ and R₄ are both hydrogen.
 11. A compound according to claim 5 characterized in that R₅ and R₆ together form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl having 3 to 7 atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of morpholin-4-yl, 2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl, piperidin-1-yl, 4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl, 3-phenylpiperidin-1-yl, 4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl, 4-phenyl-piperazin-1-yl, 2-[spiro [isobenzofuran-1(3H),4′-piperidin]-1′-yl, 3-phenylpiperidin-1-y, azepan-1-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinolin-2-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, 3-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl, isoindolin-2-yl or imidazol-1-yl.
 12. The process according to claim 7, wherein X is chlorine or pyridinium. 